The Pakistan tour of Bangladesh 2026 is a two-Test series running from May 8 to May 20, 2026, with both matches forming part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Furthermore, the series opens at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka before moving to the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium for the second Test.
In addition, the tour marks Pakistan’s first Test assignment in Bangladesh since their 2024 visit, when the visitors won the series 2-0. Moreover, both matches start at 9:30 AM local Dhaka time, with each Test scheduled across five days. As a result, Bangladesh enter the series looking to break their long losing streak against Pakistan, who lead the all-time head-to-head 12-2 from 15 prior Tests since 2001.
Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh 2026: Full Schedule
The two-Test series runs across two scheduled match windows in May 2026. Furthermore, both Tests start at 9:30 AM local Dhaka time, equivalent to 9:00 AM IST and 3:30 AM GMT.
| Test | Date | Time (Local BDT / IST / GMT) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | May 8 to May 12, 2026 | 9:30 AM / 9:00 AM / 3:30 AM | Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka |
| 2nd Test | May 16 to May 20, 2026 | 9:30 AM / 9:00 AM / 3:30 AM | Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet |
In addition, the four-day gap between the two Tests gives both squads a short window to travel from Dhaka to Sylhet and adjust to the different conditions.
Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test Head-to-Head Record
Furthermore, Pakistan and Bangladesh have played 15 Tests against each other since their first meeting in 2001. Specifically, Pakistan dominate the rivalry with a 12-2 win-loss record across the all-time series.
| Stat | Result |
|---|---|
| Total Tests Played | 15 |
| Pakistan Wins | 12 |
| Bangladesh Wins | 2 |
| Drawn Tests | 1 |
| First Test Meeting | 2001 |
In addition, Bangladesh’s only two Test wins against Pakistan have both come at home in their 2024 series, marking a turning point in the rivalry after 23 years of Pakistan dominance.
Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh Tour 2026
The Pakistan squad is led by Test captain Shan Masood and features a balanced mix of batters, bowlers, and all-rounders.
Furthermore, the side combines experienced campaigners like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi with emerging talent.
- Shan Masood (Captain, Opening Batter)
- Abdullah Fazal (Opening Batter)
- Azan Awais (Opening Batter)
- Imam-ul-Haq (Top Order Batter)
- Babar Azam (Batter)
- Saud Shakeel (Middle Order Batter)
- Salman Agha (All-rounder)
- Amad Butt (Bowling All-rounder)
- Sajid Khan (Bowling All-rounder)
- Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper Batter)
- Ghazi Ghori (Wicketkeeper Batter)
- Hasan Ali (Bowler)
- Khurram Shahzad (Bowler)
- Mohammad Abbas (Bowler)
- Noman Ali (Bowler)
- Shaheen Shah Afridi (Bowler)
Bangladesh Squad for Pakistan Series 2026
The Bangladesh squad is led by Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and features a strong spin-heavy bowling attack.
Furthermore, the side combines experienced batters like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque with rising stars like Tanzid Hasan and Mahmudul Hasan Joy.
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain, Top Order Batter)
- Shadman Islam (Opening Batter)
- Tanzid Hasan (Opening Batter)
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy (Top Order Batter)
- Mominul Haque (Batting All-rounder)
- Litton Das (Wicketkeeper Batter)
- Mushfiqur Rahim (Wicketkeeper Batter)
- Amite Hasan (Wicketkeeper Batter)
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz (All-rounder)
- Nayeem Hasan (Bowling All-rounder)
- Taijul Islam (Bowling All-rounder)
- Ebadot Hossain (Bowler)
- Nahid Rana (Bowler)
- Shoriful Islam (Bowler)
- Taskin Ahmed (Bowler)
Key Players to Watch
Both squads carry several match-winners across batting and bowling. Furthermore, the players listed below are the form picks ahead of the series.
Top Batters
Specifically, the top order from both sides will need to handle pace and spin across both Tests.
| Player | Team | Recent Form (Tests) |
|---|---|---|
| Najmul Hossain Shanto | Bangladesh | 8 matches, 607 runs, 46.69 avg |
| Shadman Islam | Bangladesh | 9 matches, 594 runs, 37.13 avg |
| Shan Masood | Pakistan | 10 matches, 752 runs, 39.58 avg |
| Saud Shakeel | Pakistan | 10 matches, 665 runs, 35.00 avg |
Top Bowlers
Moreover, both sides feature spin-heavy bowling attacks ideally suited to the Dhaka and Sylhet pitches.
| Player | Team | Recent Form (Tests) |
|---|---|---|
| Taijul Islam | Bangladesh | 10 matches, 54 wickets |
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz | Bangladesh | 9 matches, 27 wickets |
| Noman Ali | Pakistan | 6 matches, 50 wickets |
| Sajid Khan | Pakistan | 6 matches, 40 wickets |
Venues for Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh 2026
The two-Test series is split between two of Bangladesh’s premier cricket venues. Furthermore, both grounds have hosted multiple Test matches and offer differing conditions for the visiting Pakistan side.
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
The Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, is Bangladesh’s primary international cricket venue. Furthermore, the ground has hosted Bangladesh’s biggest Test wins and is known for its spin-friendly pitches.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue Name | Shere Bangla National Stadium |
| Location | Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Capacity | Approximately 25,000 |
| Pitch Type | Spin-friendly, slow turner |
| Common Format | Tests, ODIs, T20Is |
| Hosts To | Bangladesh national cricket team |
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is Bangladesh’s most picturesque cricket venue, set against the rolling hills of north-east Bangladesh. Furthermore, the ground has hosted multiple Tests since opening in 2014.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue Name | Sylhet International Cricket Stadium |
| Location | Sylhet, Bangladesh |
| Capacity | Approximately 18,500 |
| Pitch Type | Balanced, supports both pace and spin |
| Common Format | Tests, ODIs, T20Is |
| Hosts To | Bangladesh national cricket team |
| First Test | 2018 |
Where to Watch Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh 2026
The series is broadcast across multiple platforms in different regions. Furthermore, all matches are available via official broadcasters and streaming partners.
| Platform | Coverage | Region |
|---|---|---|
| T Sports | Live broadcast | Bangladesh |
| Toffee | Live streaming | Bangladesh |
| PTV Sports | Live broadcast | Pakistan |
| Tapmad | Live streaming | Pakistan |
| FanCode | Live streaming | India |
| ESPNCricinfo | Live scores and commentary | Worldwide |
| Cricbuzz | Live scores and commentary | Worldwide |
| Willow TV | Live broadcast | United States |
| Sky Sports Cricket | Selected coverage | UK |
Tickets for Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh 2026
The Bangladesh Cricket Board manages ticket sales for the series across both venues. Furthermore, fans can secure tickets through the official BCB ticketing portal in the lead-up to each Test.
- Visit the BCB official website for ticket announcements
- Tickets typically go on sale 2-3 weeks before each Test
- Prices vary by stand, with general admission and premium options available
- Walk-up gate sales are usually available on match days
Related Reads
Conclusion: Pakistan Aim to Maintain Test Dominance Against Bangladesh
In summary, the Pakistan tour of Bangladesh 2026 features two ICC World Test Championship matches across May 8 to May 20, 2026.
Furthermore, Shan Masood’s Pakistan side enters with a dominant 12-2 head-to-head record over Bangladesh, although the hosts will draw confidence from their two wins in 2024. Specifically, the spin-heavy attacks of both sides will be critical at the Shere Bangla National Stadium and the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Moreover, both Tests start at 9:30 AM local Dhaka time, with comprehensive coverage available across T Sports, PTV Sports, FanCode, and ESPNCricinfo. As a result, the series is set to be a defining moment in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle for both sides.
